India raises concerns about terrorism, CPEC with China

"He (Modi) said it is of paramount importance that both countries respect each other's aspirations, concerns and strategic interests," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup told Indian journalists

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday told Chinese President Xi Jinping India’s concerns over the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) being built in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the terrorism emanating from the region.

In his 35-minute meeting with Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hangzhou city, Modi conveyed to him that New Delhi and Beijing “would have to be sensitive to each other’s strategic interests”.

“He (Modi) said it is of paramount importance that both countries respect each other’s aspirations, concerns and strategic interests,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup told Indian journalists.

Asked whether terrorism was discussed, Swarup said: “It was raised.”

The CPEC passes through the restive regions of Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistani Kashmir. India has strongly opposed the project as it claims Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistani Kashmir.

In his interaction with Xi, Modi said the attack on the Chinese embassy in Bishkek was yet another proof of the “scourge of terrorism”.

Beijing’s refusal to designate Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar at the UN Security Council has irked India. This was Modi’s eighth meeting with Xi as the Prime Minister.